I’ve been eyeing a new TV for the past few months. I refuse to buy a TV on credit, so I’ve been saving.

I’m just about ready to make the purchase, so I was in my local electronics store today comparing two TV’s I like. As I’m weighing my options, I notice on the screens were reports about all the horrible things happening in the Middle East. It was a sobering moment as I stood there, lusting for a TV, while seeing images of Christians who are being killed.

It’s hard to be perpetually vigilant. Even the best of us get tired. We start looking around and thinking “At least I’m not living like ________.”

I forget about the harsh realities around the world and I start thinking about how I deserve a little pampering here and there. I work hard. A new TV wouldn’t hurt anyone. Heck, I give money to my church. I give to the poor. I can splurge every now and then on me. Jesus wouldn’t condemn me.

Each person will stand before God, on their own, and give account for what they did with what He gave them. Time. Talent. Resources. I can’t judge how you use what you have. But I’ll tell you this, I need to be regularly reminded what’s real. I need to be slapped out of my stupor and see the realities that most of the world faces. I need to be reminded of the persecution of my brothers and sisters around the world.

When I think about them. Their suffering. Their challenges. It reminds me that my little 32” TV is fine. The car I drive is fine. My life is fine. Maybe I need to forgo a little bit of the bigger, better, faster to invest in something eternal like God’s kingdom.

I don’t know about you, but I need to constantly be reminded of that—even if it means giving up on my dreams of a newer, bigger TV for now.

Be sober-minded; be watchful… 1 Peter 5:8

by Joël Malm

Joël Malm is an author, speaker and life coach who leads outdoor expeditions around the world through his organization Summit Leaders. He has extensive experience abroad with missions and international humanitarian work.

@joelmalm   summitleaders.org

Original article: www.frontiersusa.org/blog/article/forgoing-the-bigger